Picturesque SaPa Tour

FIND YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY

The Picturesque SaPa tour is a perfect way to spend a few days in Northern Vietnam.

Nestled in the mountains in Northern Vietnam near the border with China, lies the picturesque village of SaPa. Home to exceptional scenery, multiple trekking options for all ages and fitness, bustling local markets, and a number of local ethnic minority groups. One such ethnic group is the Hmong. An indigenous ethnic group originally from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, including vibrant traditional clothing, intricate embroidery, and a deep connection to nature.

Aside from stunning scenery, SaPa is home to the highest point in Vietnam, the Fansipan Peak, often referred to as the Roof of Indochina. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views, making it a sought-after adventure for both local and international visitors. Enjoy the overnight train journey from and returning to Hanoi, and visit the regional town of Lao Cai. A visit to SaPa is a must do when visiting the North of Vietnam. The Picturesque SaPa tour is a perfect getaway! Combining locals trains, local guides, local cuisine, some light trekking, all with your choice of 4 or 5 star accommodation to stay in.

Duration:
4 days

Places:
3 places

Meal:
3 Breakfasts
2 Lunches

Transport:
Overnight train in a 4-Berth Compartment
Private car

Duration:
4 days

Places:
3 places

Transport:
Overnight train in a 4-Berth Compartment
Private car

Meal:
3 Breakfasts
2 Lunches

Group Size:
Tour is on an individual basis

Dates:
01/01/25 - 30/09/25

Details

SaPa is approx 380 Km north of Hanoi, at an elevation of approximately 1600 metres. With a population of around 36,000 people consisting mainly of minority groups, most will work their land due to the mountainous region.

This tour has a number of highlights you should consider when thinking about travelling to SaPa. Firstly the overnight train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai is approx 8 hours in duration, is very comfortable, and its a great way to experience an authentic mode of local transport. You will have ample opportunity to converse with the locals! Once arrived at Lai Cai you will enjoy a car journey on a winding road to SaPa, and there will be ample opportunity to take photos along the way. Over the next few days enjoy the experience of meeting members of local minority groups, admiring the beautiful scenery, savouring the local cuisine and enjoy a few days break in this beautiful area of Vietnam.

Map

Itinerary

DAY 1: Overnight Train Hanoi to Lao Cai

Around 9.00pm our local driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and transfer you by private vehicle to Hanoi Railway Station. Enjoy an overnight train trip to Lao Cai in superior 4-berth
compartments sharing with other passengers. Your train departs at approximately 10.00pm.

Transport

Overnight train in a 4-Berth Compartment

DAY 2: Lao Cai to SaPa

Arrive in the early morning approximately 6.30am at Lao Cai, the border town
to Yunnan, China. Here you meet your driver who will provide the private vehicle transfer the 38 km drive on winding roads up the mountains to Sapa, located approx. 1,500 m above sea level.
On clear days you can see the highest mountain of Vietnam, the Fansipan.

Enjoy an early breakfast at a local restaurant and then drive from Sapa to Lao Chai village. Views of
the Muong Hoa Valley and magnificent surrounding mountains and rice terrace fields can be
seen on this journey. Along the road, people from many ethnic minority groups, such as H’mong,
Zay, and Red Dao are likely to be encountered, and there are stalls along the way that serve tea,
fruits and sweets. Soon after turning off the main road and taking a local path, we will arrive in
the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai, where you will experience the daily life of the villagers.
Enjoy a light walk from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, where the Zay hill tribes live. Here you take a
rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your local guide in a local house.
After lunch, continue walking to the meeting point for your transfer back to Sapa town. The
Remainder of the day is at leisure. You may choose at your pace to discover Sapa town, its bustling
market, the colourful dresses of the Ethnic people, tea and coffee shops as well as the local life
in this mountain town.

Included Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Transport

Private car

DAY 3: SaPa to Ta Phin, then Lao Cai and onto Hanoi

Today enjoy a full day of trekking. This morning visit Suoi Ho village with tea plantations and
cardamom gardens. Follow the buffalo trails to visit the hospitable villages of the Black Hmong
minority people in Ma Tra. After passing a school and scenic views en route, a picnic
lunch will be served. Continue after lunch to Ta Phin village where you will meet the Red Dao
people who are famous for their weaving skills. Proceed to the meeting point and meet
your driver who will provide the transfer back to Sapa.

Indulge in a soothing 60-minute foot massage before transferring by private vehicle to Lao Cai
railway Station where you will board the overnight train to Hanoi at around 9.40pm in a 4-berth
shared sleeping compartment.

Included Meals

Breakfast

Lunch

Transport

Light trekking

Overnight train in a 4-Berth Compartment

DAY 4: Arrival in Hanoi

On arrival in the early morning in Hanoi, you will be greeted by your local driver who will transfer you via private car to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a delicious breakfast and Vietnamese Coffee. It is here we bid you farewell and wish you safe travels for the remainder of your trip.

Included Meals

Breakfast

Transport

Private car